Flexible container discharge apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

Flexible container discharge apparatus for a flexible bulk container as hereinbefore defined, comprises a base structure, a common movable container support element for supporting the flexible bulk container and hingably connected to the base structure for movement relative thereto, and a plurality of pivotable urging elements which project in a direction away from the common support element and which are directly or indirectly connected to the common support element. With a flexible bulk container positioned on the common support element, as flowable material within the container is discharged, the urging elements pivot towards each other, pressing the flowable material towards an outlet of the container. A method of discharging material from a flexible bulk container is also provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a flexible container dischargeapparatus for a flexible bulk container, and to a method of dischargingmaterial from such a flexible bulk container.

Flexible bulk containers are well known, and, by way of example, arecommonly called Bulk Bags, Big Bags, Super Sacks, and FlexibleIntermediate Bulk Containers (FIBC's). A flexible bulk container isformed from woven or non-woven material and essentially defines a largebag suitable for holding and transporting flowable particulate material,such as cement, flour, sugar, sand, powder, granular material, andpharmaceuticals. A capacity of a flexible bulk container can typicallyrange from 250 litres to 2000 litres, and a lifting device, such as ahoist, forklift truck, or crane, is generally used to manoeuvre a fullflexible bulk container.

However, it is envisaged that a flexible bulk container can have acapacity in the range of 5 litres to 100,000 litres.

Herein, therefore, a flexible bulk container is defined as a containerformed from a woven or non-woven flexible material which has a capacityin the range of 5 litres to 100,000 litres, and more preferably 250litres to 2000 litres, and which can hold for transportation flowableparticulate material.

In order to discharge the material from such a flexible bulk container,due to the weights involved, specialised apparatus is required. Flexiblecontainer discharge apparatus is known from, for example, SpiroflowLimited of Clitheroe, Lancashire, United Kingdom. All such knownapparatuses operate in fundamentally the same way. A rigid funnel-shapedhopper is provided in which the flexible bulk container can be placed. Avalve is located below the hopper, and a discharge pipe or duct extendsfrom the valve to the base of the hopper. A flexible discharge tube istypically incorporated in a base of the flexible bulk container, andthis tube is connected to the discharge duct of the hopper, or simplyruns down into its interior. If a flexible discharge tube is notprovided, then the base of the flexible bulk container is cut orperforated to allow discharge.

A first problem which is associated with the present apparatus, is thata flexible bulk container with material therein adopts a substantiallyflat bottom or base. The flexible bulk container therefore does not seatcorrectly in the known hopper, until a significant amount of thematerial has been discharged. The material is therefore often difficultto initially discharge, due to compaction, accessibility to open thedischarge tube of the container is difficult and often complex, and thestability of the apparatus is reduced, due to the higher centre ofgravity.

A further significant problem is the connection of the discharge outletof the flexible bulk container to the discharge duct of the apparatus,since the dimensions of the flexible tubular discharge pipes of theflexible bulk containers vary widely. If the apparatus is designed sothat the discharge duct of the apparatus must be connected to theflexible discharge tube of the flexible bulk container, then adaptersare necessary. Even so, with a flexible tubular discharge pipe having alength which is less than or equal to its diameter, connection to adischarge pipe of the known apparatus is often difficult or impossible.Consequently, complicated sealing arrangements are required. However,this in turn then leads to complications when trying to open theflexible tubular discharge pipe in order to initiate discharge.

Yet another problem occurs, since the known apparatus is integrallyformed as a single device, and is too large to be portable. Thisfrequently leads to cross-contamination, not only when using theapparatus for the discharge of various different materials, but alsosince the apparatus is generally located in a non-hygienic environment,leading to contamination from the environment during placement of theflexible bulk container, and connection of the flexible discharge tube.

The present invention therefore seeks to solve these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided flexiblecontainer discharge apparatus for a flexible bulk container, theapparatus comprising a base structure, a common movable containersupport element for supporting the flexible bulk container and hingablyconnected to the base structure for movement relative thereto, and aplurality of equi-angularly pivotable urging elements which project in adirection away from the common support element and which are directly orindirectly connected to the common support element, so that, as thecommon support element moves due to gravity, the urging elementsequi-angularly pivot towards each other.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is providedflexible container discharge apparatus in accordance with the firstaspect of the invention, in combination with a flexible bulk containerhaving a flowable material therein, the container being provided on thecommon movable container support element of the apparatus, and thepivotable urging elements forming a variable volume enclosure around theflexible bulk container, the urging elements equi-angularly pivotingtowards each other as the material flows from the container whereby abase of the flexible bulk container forms a hopper-shape.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodof discharging material from a flexible bulk container as hereinbeforedefined, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing flexiblecontainer discharge apparatus including a base structure, a commonmovable container support element which is hingably connected to thebase structure, and a plurality of pivotable urging elements which aredirectly or indirectly connected to the common support element and whichproject away from the support element to define an enclosure for theflexible bulk container; b) locating the flexible bulk container on thecommon movable container support element, so that the weight of thecontainer urges the common support element downwards, thus causing theurging elements to equi-angularly pivot inwards and press on theflexible bulk container; and c) opening the flexible bulk container sothat material contained therein is discharged through its base.

The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of flexible container dischargeapparatus, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view from above of the flexible containerdischarge apparatus;

FIG. 3 shows the flexible container discharge apparatus with a flexiblebulk container positioned thereon;

FIG. 4 shows the flexible container discharge apparatus suspended abovea discharge station to which can be suspended a secondary container;

FIG. 5 shows the flexible container discharge apparatus seated on thedischarge station;

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged partially translucent view of the flexible bulkcontainer seated on the discharge apparatus, and of a valve within aflexible discharge duct and in a first condition;

FIG. 7 shows the discharge apparatus during discharge;

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of the discharge apparatus duringdischarge;

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged partially translucent view of the flexible bulkcontainer seated on the discharge apparatus, and of the valve within theflexible discharge duct and in a second condition extending into theflexible bulk container;

FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of the flexible container dischargeapparatus, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a side view showing the discharge apparatus suspended above araising member;

FIG. 12 shows the discharge apparatus incorporating the raising member,and a flexible bulk container seated thereon;

FIG. 13 shows the raising member removed, and an elongate flexibledischarge tube of the flexible bulk container being stretched;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of part of a rim of a base hopper of thedischarge apparatus;

FIG. 15 is a partially translucent view of the base hopper shown in FIG.14, showing a clamping band which extends around the rim of the basehopper and by which the flexible discharge tube of the flexible bulkcontainer is attached to the base hopper; and

FIG. 16 shows a third embodiment of flexible container dischargeapparatus, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 to 9 of the drawings, there is shown afirst embodiment of flexible container discharge apparatus 10 whichcomprises a base structure 12, a single common movable container supportelement 14 which is hingably connected to the base structure 12 formovement relative thereto, and a plurality of pivotable urging elements16 which upstand from the common support element 14.

The base structure 12 includes a ground-contactable base member 18, fourupstanding elongate support members 20 positioned at four corners of thebase member 18, and an endless rim 22 which is fixed to and whichextends between all four support members 20.

As shown in FIG. 3, optional extended support members 23 can be providedon the elongate support members 20 for further stabilisation. Theextended support members 23 include hooks 23 a for connection with loopson a flexible bulk container. The extended support members 23 are shownremoved in the other drawings for clarity purposes.

The base member 18 includes a central portion 24 with a dischargeaperture 26 therethrough, a base hopper 27 provided in the dischargeaperture 26 and releasably engaged with the central portion 24, and afork receiving member 28 provided on two opposing sides of the centralportion 24. The fork receiving members 28 are channels or tubesdimensioned to receive forks of a forklift truck.

As best seen in FIGS. 2, 6 and 9, a valve device 30 is provided foropening and closing a flow path (arrow X) through the base hopper 27 ofthe base member 18. Conveniently, the valve device 30 is that describedin the applicant's European patent application EP1038802A1, althoughother kinds of valve devices can of course be utilised.

Since a valve 32 of the valve device 30 is movable upwardly to open thevalve device, it is convenient to provide a ring-shaped materialdislodgement element 34 which is positioned above, and moves with, thevalve 32. The material dislodgement element 34 is thus movable relativeto the base structure 12 in an upwards and downwards direction.

Although ring-shaped or halo-like, the material dislodgement element cantake any shape which results dislodgement of material.

In a modification, a cutting device (not shown), such as one or moreblades, can additionally or alternatively be provided to projectupwardly from the movable valve 32. This is required when a bottom ofthe flexible bulk container must be cut or punctured in order todischarge material. The cutting device is preferably removable, andsimply attached when required.

The movable container support element 14 includes a single support plate36 having a centrally positioned material discharge aperture 38therethrough. The support plate 36 is centrally suspended from the rim22 via a plurality of spaced articulated arms 40. Each arm 40 ispositioned adjacent to a corner of the support plate 36, and includes ajoint 42 at or adjacent thereto. A distal end 44 of each arm 40 furthestfrom the support plate 36 is pivotably and slidably engaged with the rim22 at a position between upstanding elongate support members 20.

Although each arm 40 is pivotable about the rim 22, the rim itself or aportion of the rim can be rotatable, and thus, in this case, each armcan be angularly-displaceably fixed relative to the portion of the rimadjacent thereto.

To prevent the support plate 36 from sagging due to gravity and beforeany load is placed on the support plate 36, means are provided forreleasably holding the joint 42 of each arm 40 in an unbent orrectilinear condition. The releasable holding means includes a pair ofmagnetic elements (generally referenced as 46 in FIGS. 1 and 8) providedwithin the joint 42 which contact when the arm 40 is straight.

However, it will be understood that other means for releasably holdingthe movable container support element 14 in an upper condition areentirely feasibly, such as a removable elongate brace which is wedginglyinterposable between the base member 18 and a lower surface of thesupport plate 36.

Each urging element 16 is in the form of an L-shaped frame, with theurging element 16 being removable and releasably-slidably engagable atits foot-portion 48 to two respective arms 40 of the support element 14and slightly spaced from the support plate 36 so as not to interferewith the joints 42 of the arms 40. In this way, the back-portions 50 ofthe L-shaped frames project perpendicularly or substantiallyperpendicularly away form the support element 14 and define a variablevolume enclosure 52 for receiving flexible bulk containers of varyingdimensions. Since the foot-portions 48 of the L-shaped frames aredirected inwardly, they effectively form part of the support element 14.

Although the urging elements 16 are formed as frames, they can be solidplates. The urging elements 16 can also be permanently fixed relative tothe support plate 36, if only one type of flexible bulk container is tobe used. Alternatively, the urging elements 16 need not be removable,but can be slidably adjustable along the arms 40.

To contain material discharged from a flexible bulk container, andbefore the valve device 30 is opened, a flexible, typically elastic,discharge duct 54 of typically circular lateral cross-section isconnected between the aperture 38 of the support plate 36 and the basehopper 27 of the base member 18, and around a movable cage 55. The flowpath X is thus defined between the support plate aperture 38 and thebase hopper 27. As best shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 9, the cage 55 isconnected to and moves with the movable container support element 14,but, upon initial opening of the valve device 30 at least, does notinterfere with the valve device 30.

The flexible container discharge apparatus 10 can be formed integrallyas part of a larger apparatus below, on or in which a further smaller orlarger container can be provided into which material from the flexiblebulk container is dispensed or metered. However, advantageously, theflexible container discharge apparatus 10 described above is portable,allowing removable placement on another container, such as a silo orintermediate bulk container (IBC), or apparatus which itself holds asmaller or larger flexible container. Consequently, the flexiblecontainer discharge apparatus 10 can be prepared and loaded with aflexible bulk container at a first location, before then beingtransported to a second location for discharge. Since the base of theflexible bulk container is seated and effectively sealed to the supportplate 36, the possibility of cross-contamination at the second locationis eliminated or significantly reduced.

When a flexible bulk container 56 having an integrally formed flexibledischarge tube 58 in its base 60 is to be discharged, the flexible bulkcontainer 56 is raised, for example by a forklift truck or hoist, andthe urging elements 16 are removed or slidably adjusted to the width ofthe flexible bulk container. In this case, the length of the flexiledischarge tube 58 is less than or equal to its diameter. A suitably longlength, for example 2 metres, of a flexible elongate tie element 62,such as rope, cord or string, is releasably tied around the flexibledischarge tube 58 of the container at a position below an existing tie(not shown). The existing tie 64, which is typically a very short pieceof string or cord, can then be removed, so that the longer tie element62 prevents discharge.

With the arms 40 of the common support element 14 held in the straightposition, and thus the support plate 36 in its initial upper condition,the re-tied flexible bulk container 56 is seated on the support element14 such that the flexible discharge tube 58 of the container extendsinto the flexible discharge duct 54 of the apparatus. See FIGS. 6 and 9.Prior to fully lowering the flexible bulk container 56 onto the supportelement 14, the ends of the longer tie element 62 are positioned to beaccessible from the exterior of the apparatus 10. If sufficiently long,the free end of the flexible discharge tube 58 is also positioned overthe material dislodgement element 34 to prevent possible fouling.

The urging elements 16 are positioned to contact the sides of theflexible bulk container.

The container 56 is then fully seated on the support element 14. Due tothe weight of the container 56 bearing on the support plate 36, thesupport plate 36 is urged vertically downwards. This releases the joints42, and the articulated arms 40 of the support element 14 flex orarticulate. Since the urging elements 16 are held in position on thearticulated arms 40, each urging element 16 equi-angularly pivotsinwardly as the arms 40 bend, thus pressing against and gripping theflexible bulk container 56. The flexible bulk container 56 is nowsecurely and stably held by the discharge apparatus 10.

The longer tie element 62 can be released and pulled free by a user,simply by tugging on one of the accessible free ends. Flowable materialwithin the flexible bulk container 56 thus discharges into the flexibledischarge duct 54 of the discharge apparatus 10, but is prevented fromexiting by the closed valve device 30 in the base hopper 27.

The loaded flexible container discharge apparatus 10 can now be moved tothe discharge site at the second location by a suitable device, such asa forklift truck.

The discharge apparatus 10 with flexible bulk container 56 securely heldthereon can then be placed on a suitable discharge station (shown inFIGS. 4 and 5), which is prepared for discharge into a suitablesecondary container (not shown). Once positioned ready for discharge,the valve 32 of the valve device 30 in the flexible discharge duct 54 ismoved upwards, thus opening, and the flowable material beginsdischarging. With the upward movement of the valve 32, the materialdislodgement element 34 is forced into the interior of the flexible bulkcontainer 56, dislodging and breaking up any compacted material. Thevalve 32 can include vibration, pulsation or oscillation means forimparting vibration, pulsation or oscillation to the materialdislodgement element 34. This is disclosed in EP1038802A1, which isincorporated herein by reference. However, for the sake of clarity, thevalve device 30 can include an inflatable and deflatable pneumaticactuator which pneumatically controls the movement of the valve 32.Control circuitry can thus impart pulsation, vibration or oscillation tothe material dislodgement element via the actuator.

If flow of the material stops, due to for example bridging or cohesionwithin the flexible bulk container, the actuator can be operated to liftthe valve 32 higher. The valve 32 thus contacts and lifts the cage 55.the cage 55, acting as a biasing element, thus lifts the support platewhich presses into the base of the flexible bulk container. In thiscondition, the valve 32 can be vibrated, pulsed, or oscillated by theactuator to impart movement to the contents of the flexible bulkcontainer. This results in promotion of the flow of the material.

The raising of the cage 55 and thus the support plate inherently pivotsthe urging elements slightly outwards. Vibration, pulsation oroscillation thus causes the urging elements to massage the sides of theflexible bulk container, again promoting flow.

Obviously, other types of actuator are also possible for controlling thevalve device 30 and any pulsation or vibration.

As the flowable material leaves the flexible bulk container 56 and asbest understood from FIGS. 7 to 9, the urging elements 16 are able topivot further inwards by equal degrees, decreasing the volume of theenclosure 52 defined thereby, and the support plate 36 verticallydescends. This beneficially results in the automatic formation of thebase 60 of the flexible bulk container 56 into a funnel-shaped hopper65. As more material is discharged, the urging elements 16 pivot furthertowards each other, forcing more material towards the discharge opening.The slope of the hopper-shaped base 60 also continues to steepen as thesupport plate 36 lowers, again resulting in more flowable materialmoving towards the discharge opening.

A second embodiment of the flexible container discharge apparatus 10 isshown in FIGS. 10 to 15 of the drawings, and like references refer tolike parts. In this embodiment, a flexible bulk container 156 having anelongate flexible discharge tube 158 in its base is provided. In thiscase, the flexible discharge tube 158 has a length which is greater thanits diameter. Consequently, the flexible discharge duct 54 is removed.

The base hopper 27 is released from its engagement with the centralportion 24 of the base member 18. A raising member 166, typically in theform of a cage, is provided, and the discharge apparatus 10 is raisedand lowered onto the raising member 166 so that it is accommodatedwithin the discharge aperture 26 of the central portion 24. This resultsin the raising member 166 raising the base hopper 27 up towards themovable container support element 14.

With the urging elements 16 adjusted to accommodate the flexible bulkcontainer 156, the flexible bulk container 156 is lowered so that it isalmost seated on the movable container support element 14. The flexibledischarge tube 158 of the flexible bulk container 156 is then releasablyclamped to the up-raised base hopper 27. As seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, thebase hopper 27 is provided with a rim 168 around and over which isprovided a circular elastic cover 170. As seen in FIG. 15, a ring-shapedclamping band 172 is provided as a close-fit around the rim 168. Withthe cover 170 rolled downwards, the flexible discharge tube is fedinside the clamping band 172, out and back on itself to encompass theclamping band 172 therewithin. The elastic cover 170 is then rolled backup and over the rim 168, thus releasably securing the clamping band 172,and consequently the flexible discharge tube 158, to the base hopper 27,as seen in FIGS. 13 and 14.

In this condition, the flexible bulk container 156 is fully seated onthe movable container support element 14, and the raising member 166 isremoved. With the raising member 166 removed, the base hopper 27re-seats in the discharge aperture 26, and is reengaged with the centralportion 24. The flexible discharge tube 158 is thus stretched, and formsa duct between the movable container support element 14 and the basehopper 27.

Once the existing tie 164 is released from the flexible discharge tube,discharge can take place as described above.

In this embodiment, since the flexible discharge duct 54 is not needed,the longer tie element 62 is also dispensed with, since access to theflexible discharge tube of the flexible bulk container 156 isunhindered.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a third embodiment of the flexible dischargeapparatus 10 is shown, and like references again refer to like parts. Inthis embodiment, the only different from the discharge apparatus shownin FIG. 1, is that urging elements 116 include a plate-like foot-portion148. This enables the urging element to be independently pivotablerelative to the respective supporting arms 40. The urging elements 116can be releasably engaged to the arms 40.

This feature is beneficial, since it allows at least manual pivoting ofthe urging elements during discharge by a user in order to promotedischarge. It is envisaged that the pivoting, alternatively oradditionally to being manual, could be via a controllable actuator.

By providing ratchet-like teeth along the longitudinal extent or aportion of the arms, the plates can be removable from the apparatus andsimply positioned on the arms relative to the flexible bulk container asnecessity dictates.

The longer extended support members can replace the shorter upstandingsupport members. In this case, the rim is mounted on the extendedsupport members.

The valve device of EP1038802A1 is particularly advantageous, since itcan be readily closed and opened during discharge, withoutcross-contamination. This allows straightforward and simple accuratemetering or dispensing of the material into one or more secondarycontainers.

The urging elements, due to their point contact with the sides of theflexible bulk container, break up compacted material and so-called ‘ratholes’ formed by the material dislodgement element.

Electric, hydraulic or pneumatic pulsators or vibrators can be providedto contact the flexible bulk container to further break up and dislodgematerial therewithin. Alternatively or additionally, an actuator can beutilised to vibrate or pulsate the support element and thus also theurging elements, or vice versa.

Although the support element includes a support plate, this can bereplaced with a frame to which the flexible discharge duct is connected.

The flexible discharge duct, as an alternative, can be connected to thematerial dislodgment element, so that it is extended upwards to seal tothe flexible bulk container or the support element as the valve israised to open the valve device.

The discharge apparatus of the present invention can accommodate anytype of flexible bulk container without the requirement for an adaptor.The discharge apparatus can accept a flexible bulk container with anelongate flexible discharge tube which is longer than its diameter, aflexible bulk container with a flexible discharge tube having a lengthwhich is less than or equal to its diameter, and also a flexible bulkcontainer with not discharge tube. In this latter case, the cuttingdevice must be provided to form a discharge outlet or opening in thebase, and the flexible bulk container is typically disposed of followingdischarge.

Consequently, prior to discharge, the type of flexible bulk containermust be determined, and the flexible discharge duct is then mounted onthe apparatus or removed, dependent on necessity.

The main advantage of the above-described flexible container dischargeapparatus is that it can operate solely under gravity, without relianceon electrical energisation of any kind. As the common support platelowers, the urging elements are automatically moved or tilted inwards byequal amounts and the hopper-shaped base of the container automaticallysteepens. Both actions act to force material towards the outlet, thuspromoting fast and effective discharge.

Since the discharge apparatus is portable, it is possible to provide aspecific discharge apparatus for use only with a specific material.Consequently, the discharge apparatus can be selected from amongst aplurality of discharge apparatuses. This prevents or limits thepossibility of cross-contamination.

Furthermore, by providing further parts which contact the flowablematerial, it is a straightforward matter to interchange parts base donthe type of flowable material to be discharged. For example, the basehopper, valve device, and the flexible discharge duct are the only partsof the discharge apparatus to contact the material being discharged.Consequently, these parts can be designed for use with specificmaterials, and interchanged as necessity dictates. This further reducesthe risk of cross-contamination.

There is no requirement for a stretcher arrangement, in order to stretcha base of the flexible bulk container to ensure complete discharge. Thefact that the base of the flexible bulk container is automaticallyformed into a hopper-shape inherently stretches the base.

The flexible container discharge apparatus automatically accommodatesfor any change in material characteristics from free flowing to cohesiveand sticky.

Additional stabilisation to support the flexible container from above isnot necessary, since the container is stably supported on the commonsupport element and the equi-angularly movable urging elements.

The embodiments described above are given by way of examples only, andvarious other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in theart without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by theappended claims.

1. Flexible container discharge apparatus for a flexible bulk container,the apparatus comprising a base structure, a common movable containersupport element for supporting the flexible bulk container and hingablyconnected to the base structure for movement relative thereto, and aplurality of equi-angularly pivotable urging elements which project in adirection away from the common support element and which are directly orindirectly connected to the common support element, so that, as thecommon support element moves due to gravity, the urging elementsequi-angularly pivot towards each other.
 2. Flexible container dischargeapparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base structure includes oneor more upstanding support members, and a rim on the or each supportmember, the movable container support element being hingably connectedto the rim.
 3. Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the movable container support element includes aplurality of spaced arms which are pivotably engaged with the basestructure.
 4. Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed in claim3, wherein each arm includes a joint for articulated movement. 5.Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe moveable container support element includes a plate having amaterial discharge aperture therethrough.
 6. Flexible containerdischarge apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more of thesaid urging elements is slidable relative to the movable containersupport element.
 7. Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, further comprising a base hopper which is supported by the basestructure.
 8. Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed in claim7, further comprising a flexible discharge duct which is connected orconnectable between the movable container support element and the basehopper, and through which material from the flexible bulk containerpasses during discharge.
 9. Flexible container discharge apparatus asclaimed in claim 8, further comprising a valve for closing a flow paththrough the flexible discharge duct, wherein the valve includes amaterial dislodgement device which is movable in the flexible dischargeduct for projection into an interior of the flexible bulk container. 10.Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed in claim 9, whereinthe valve includes a cutting device which is moveable in the flexibledischarge duct for cutting a base of the flexible bulk container. 11.Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising a biasing element for moving the support element and/orurging elements to promote material discharge.
 12. Flexible containerdischarge apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the biasing elementis a cage.
 13. Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, in combination with a flexible bulk container having a flowablematerial therein, the container being provided on the common movablecontainer support element of the apparatus, and the pivotable urgingelements forming a variable volume enclosure around the flexible bulkcontainer, the urging elements equi-angularly pivoting towards eachother as the material flows from the container whereby a base of theflexible bulk container forms a hopper-shape.
 14. A combination asclaimed in claim 13, wherein the flexible bulk container has a flexibletubular outlet with a length which is less than or equal to itsdiameter.
 15. A combination as claimed in claim 13, further comprising aflexible elongate tie element for location around a flexible tubularoutlet of the flexible bulk container, the tie element having a lengthadapted for access from the exterior of the discharge apparatus when theflexible bulk container is seated on the discharge apparatus.
 16. Amethod of discharging material from a flexible bulk container ashereinbefore defined, the method comprising the steps of: a) providingflexible container discharge apparatus including a base structure, acommon movable container support element which is hingably connected tothe base structure, and a plurality of pivotable urging elements whichare directly or indirectly connected to the common support element andwhich project away from the support element to define an enclosure forthe flexible bulk container; b) locating the flexible bulk container onthe common movable container support element, so that the weight of thecontainer urges the common support element downwards, thus causing theurging elements to equi-angularly pivot inwards and press on theflexible bulk container; and c) opening the flexible bulk container sothat material contained therein is discharged through its base.
 17. Amethod as claimed in claim 16, wherein, in step a), it is determinedwhether: i) the flexible bulk container to be emptied has a flexibledischarge tube in its base which has a length which is greater than itsdiameter, ii) the flexible bulk container has a flexible discharge tubein its base which has a length which is less than or equal to itsdiameter, or iii) whether the base of the flexible bulk container mustbe punctured to enable discharge, in the case of option i), the flexibledischarge tube is connected directly to a base hopper supported by thebase structure in step b), in the case of options ii) and iii), aflexible discharge duct is provided between the base hopper and themovable container support element.
 18. A method as claimed in claim 17,wherein, in option iii), the discharge apparatus is provided with acutting device for puncturing the base of the flexible bulk container.19. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the locating of theflexible bulk container on the apparatus in step b) occurs at a firstlocation, and the apparatus and flexible bulk container are moved to asecond location which is different from the first location for dischargeof the material into a second container.
 20. A method as claimed inclaim 16, wherein the flexible container discharge apparatus furthercomprises a biasing element, and a step f) is provided subsequent tostep c) of imparting oscillation to the support element via the biasingelement.